Choosing a Text Editor

You will need a text editor to work with October CMS templates, blueprints, and configuration files. While any plain text editor will work, a modern code editor makes the experience much better with features like syntax highlighting, file browsing, and integrated terminal.

# Recommended: VS Code

Visual Studio Code (opens new window) (VS Code) is a free, open-source editor that works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It is the most popular choice for web development and has excellent support for the languages used in October CMS.

# October Code Extension

Install the October Code (opens new window) extension to get:

• Twig syntax highlighting for October CMS templates
• Autocompletion for Twig tags, filters, and functions
• Blueprint YAML support
• Quick navigation between pages, layouts, and partials

Search for "October Code" in the VS Code extensions panel, or install it from the VS Code Marketplace (opens new window).

# Built-in Terminal

VS Code includes an integrated terminal (open it with Ctrl+`), so you can run commands without switching windows. This is especially handy during installation and development.

# Other Options

If VS Code is not your style, these editors also work well:

• Sublime Text (opens new window): Lightweight and fast. Available on all platforms.
• PhpStorm (opens new window): A full-featured PHP IDE with deep Laravel support. Paid, but powerful.
• Cursor (opens new window): An AI-enhanced code editor built on VS Code.

# Next Steps

With a text editor ready, it is time to install October CMS. Continue to Install October CMS.